Finally got 'er done! Climbed with compadre Andy. We did not get to train as hard as we should have for this climb and we paid for it! I admit I was nervous in a few places. But weather was perfect so we kept on slogging 10-15 feet at a time until we finally made the summit. Hiking back took almost as long as going up, but it's done and now we can look forward to new challenges!

Finally summited this mountain. I've been worried about this mountain for a while because I tend not to do well on extremely long hikes. My first attempt ended because I was too exhausted to continue. This time we made it just fine in 11 hours RT. My 39th fourteener.

Had a great weather day, and better physical conditioning this year, Made it to the summit in 4hrs 15 mins. The hole day took only 9hrs, vs. 11 hours last year. My next goal is to go up the Loft route and do Mt. Meeker, and hopefully I won't have to contend with the two hundred other people along the route, that I delt with this year.

This was a fantastic hike. It started at 2 am, with every start shining in the sky. We had to slow down a bit because the sun had still not started to rise by the time we got to the boulderfield. We waited by the keyhole and watched the sunrise. Fantastic! We were on the summit by 7:30 am, and then decided to hike over to Chasm Lake, another good hike if you don't want to go to the summit. That trail has a steep uphill to it as well though. I definitely prefer scrambling to hiking a well groomed path like Mount Elbert. Made it feel a little bit more like you were climbing a mountain. Both mountains had an equally great view from the top.

Left at Midnight. Basically invented our own way up the loft route since we couldn't find the trail. Turned out to be awesome. Very exciting!!! Most of our loft route turned into a class 4... we even had several class 5 moves and treverses. Should've brought ropes but didn't. Made for a GREAT trip up. Summited at 6:45 and took a power nap for a while. Homestretch was very icy. Keyhole route going back down was lame compared to the loft. Much prefer the loft route.

Whew, what a trip. Even thought this was ten years ago, I won't soon forget it! We did this in one very long day! About 2 miles in, my cousin realized he locked his keys in the car. Instead of waiting, he ran back down the trail (Litterally ran...this guy runs the double dipsy every year) to call a locksmith. I on the other hand, continued climbing now with his an my packs! I made it to past bear flats and almost into the Boulder field before he got back!

Anyway, the weather rolled in as we were ascending the final chute. Made the summit, found the and signed the Peak Reg in the fog and RAN!

You couldn't have asked for a better day as conditions were perfect. The weather held all day and there is now only a few minor patches of ice remaining on the route that can be avoided. Over 200 people on the trail on a Monday! A special place indeed.

Aug 3, 2003- long, long longs hike. 15 miles with the crowds. next time i'll do the north face during the winter. still a pleasant route

June 29, 2008- up the interesting north face(cables). enjoyable alpine challenge, can't wait to try this baby in winter!

Mar 14, 2009- winter summit via the trough with jamie and layne. bluebird dry with great, compacted snow in the trough from top to bottom. #30/100 and the finish of the front range 14ers in calendar winter!

June 20, 2009- climbed the notch couloir with dominic. broadway wasn't that bad and views were first rate behind us in the couloir!

Mar 2, 2013- another winter summit, this time via the keyhole with emily. magical climbing on the west face, narrows and homestretch. what a day!

June 26, 2014- kieners with steve, more snow/ice than expected led to more rope pitches. super long longs day. the diamond step is fantastic!

Left trailhead at 3:10 a.m. in a foreboding misting rain. Sky had cleared by the time we reached the Boulderfield. Homestretch was pretty wet in a few places, but only complicated things minimally. Summitted at 9:25. Back to car at 2:45 p.m.

Started up with my buddy Kevin at 2:50AM with bright stars and lots of people. Headlamps all the way to the Boulder Field and then a beauitful sunrise at the Keyhole. On up the "Bull's-eye" route with groups of others, summited at 8:05. Took in the spectacular views all-around, signed the summit log, and headed back down at 9:05. Back to the trailhead at 1:55PM, my 16th 14'er, what a great day on this great mountain with perfect weather. Sweet!!

"After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, which is the most horrible thing in the world."
--Oscar Wilde on Absinthe